Amid the tragic Texas floods surrounding Camp Mystic and Kerr County, the local animal shelters have been struggling to keep their pups and kittens safe. But an amazing rescue from Wings of Rescue and with Austin Pets Alive!, funded by Best Friends Animal Society, helped to save 127 dogs and cats from the shelters hit by the floods. 

Forty-seven dogs and 80 cats were taken away from the flooded shelters on an emergency flight, with 59 of the animals being transported to Fort Worth, Texas and the remaining 68 animals were taken to Kanab, Utah. Those brought to Fort Worth were received by local organizations, while the Utah arrivals were taken to the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary, Best Friends Animal Society’s Sanctuary. 

Life

The Aftermath of the Texas Floods: How You Can Help & Where to Donate

Over the weekend, the state of Texas was rocked by deadly flash floods that took the lives of more than 80 people so far, 28 of them being children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp located along the Guadalupe River’s edge. This tragedy continues to unfold as search efforts are ongoing, […]

The flash floods that devastated Texas just last week caused owners and their beloved pets to become separated, and many of them ended up in one of the overwhelmed animal shelters. But thanks to this incredible rescue mission, the shelters have space to bring in more of the animals that have been lost. 

“The floods have been devastating for all living beings,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!. “This morning’s flight was a critical step in helping our overwhelmed shelters create space for the flood-displaced pets still coming in. So many families are searching for beloved dogs and cats who may be their last connection to home, and today’s transport allows us to keep helping those still in need. We’re incredibly grateful to Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue for their partnership in making this life-saving mission possible.” 

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The CEO of Best Friends Animal Society also spoke out about the life-saving rescue, explaining that they were able to support the overwhelmed shelters in Texas. 

“This morning’s lifesaving transport is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together in a time of crisis,” said CEO Julie Castle. “We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the Central Texas floods, but we’re also deeply moved by the compassion and urgency shown by so many, including our partners at Austin Pets Alive! and Wings of Rescue. Thanks to this joint effort, 127 dogs and cats are now safe and on their way to receiving the care, stability, and love they deserve. In the face of disaster, we remain committed to doing everything we can to support impacted shelters and save as many lives as possible.” 

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How you can help pets affected by the Texas floods

Even if you’re not in the area, there are ways you can help the relief mission and support the pets that have been affected. Best Friends Animal Society is donating supplies and food to the impacted shelters and you can donate too. Visit bestfriends.org/TexasFloods or view  Amazon Wishlist to help out and donate any items needed. 

You can also visit bestfriends.org, austinpetsalive.org and wingsofrescue.org for more information on the rescue mission and how else you can pitch in.